RFS hazard reduction fires have covered Sydney in smoke for more than a week

Hazard reduction burns in the Blue Mountains and the Greater Sydney region have cloaked Sydney in smoke. We’ve got the word on when skies should will clear.

NSW RFS have conducted hazard reduction burns across more than 5,300 hectares of the Blue Mountains. Picture: South Katoomba RFS.

Sydneysiders have been waking up to smoky mornings for the past week, but as of Monday night, most can breathe easier, with a southerly change set to usher out the haze.

Hazard reduction burning has been conducted across the Greater Sydney Region since April 9, with more than 5300 hectares being burned in the Blue Mountains area alone.

The state Rural Fire Service (RFS) has confirmed that the controlled fires in the Blue Mountains have been completed.

“Residual smoke from these burns is expected to disperse as the southerly change moves through tonight (Monday),” NSW RFS spokesperson Emilie Koek said.

On Tuesday, stronger winds and showers should further assist in clearing the smoke which has blanketed Sydney in the past couple of weeks.

NSW RFS have conducted hazard reduction burns across more than 5300 hectares of the Blue Mountains. Picture: South Katoomba RFS.

Hazard reduction burns planned across NSW in coming days, with 6,600+ ha to be treated in Greater Sydney, incl. the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Hornsby & Southern Highlands. Smoke likely to affect parts of Sydney. Only call 000 for unattended fires. https://t.co/OuuO3daXiQ#RFSpic.twitter.com/xdEOQkQLFo

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) April 9, 2025

“Such development generally brings improved air quality as the precipitation and cool and fresh southerly airstream flush the residual smoke and pollutants in the low-level atmosphere,” Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said.

Favourable weather conditions over the Easter weekend allowed a number of “critical” controlled burns by fire agencies and land managers.

The controlled fires are “critical” preparation for next fire season. Picture: South Katoomba RFS.

“We must take advantage of these conditions to address the backlog of hazard reduction burns and ensure our communities are as prepared as possible for the next fire season,” Ms Koek said.

Warning were issued that smoke would likely affect parts of the city, with NSW Health alerting those in the mountains and Western Sydney in particular to take precautions.

Air quality remains ‘good’ across a majority of the state, including all of Sydney, according to the government website.

However some Sydney residents have taken to social media platform Reddit to air their struggles amid the ongoing haze.

Hazard reduction burning is taking place in and around the Blue Mountains. This may affect air quality today and into the weekend, especially in the mountains and Western Sydney. pic.twitter.com/5GJDt5eIXz

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) April 11, 2025

NSW Health warned Sydneysiders that smoke from the Blue Mountains reduction burns may affect them. Picture: South Katoomba RFS.

“The burning off and consequent smoke haze makes my nose tickle and causes sneezing,” one user wrote.

“The hazard reduction smoke. It’s making me sneeze a lot” another wrote.

Another user said, “What do we have planned for today? I’ve opened the door and been greeted with a wall of smoke from the hazard reduction.”

The smoky starts to the day haven’t been appreciated by some, they have sparked some cracker sunsets in both the Blue Mountains and over the city, with the smoke contributing to the deep and fiery red-orange colours.

Originally published as RFS hazard reduction fires have covered Sydney in smoke for more than a week